Cabazon EMT Dies Helping Stranded I-10 Motorist, Remembered As Loving, Devoted Wife

CABAZON, CA - A medic with the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa who was struck and killed on Interstate 10 while helping a stranded motorist was remembered Tuesday as a loving and devoted wife and mother of two, as well as a dedicated medic, who looked to help others.

Stacey Warriner, 44, of San Jacinto, was killed on Jan. 23 on Interstate 10 in Cabazon after assisting a driver who had spun out into the center median.

On that rainy day, another driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the other car, pinning Warriner between the two vehicles, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Warriner died of her injuries at a hospital two days later.

Warriner was remembered Tuesday during a memorial service and procession held at the Morongo Casino, where she worked as an EMT with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians' Tribal Security Department.

On a GoFundMe page created by her husband, Idyllwild firefighter Vaughn Warriner, her husband said she "dedicated her life to help others whether at work or off duty."

Here is what was written on GoFundMe:

No one ever thinks that saving a life can cost a life. Stacey, 44 years old, never even saw what was coming. A devoted Wife and Mother of 2, never dreamed that she would make the biggest sacrifice to save another.

On Monday January, 23, Stacy stopped to help another driver involved in a tragic accident on the 10 freeway. As she checked on the driver she was then struck by an oncoming vehicle traveling at an estimated 60 MPH. 2 seconds was all she needed to step away. 2 seconds could have saved her life. 2 seconds she would have been safe back in her truck. Time was not on her side.

She was struck and with critical injuries, Stacy succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday, January 25th. Stacey spent her life dedicated to helping others as an EMT. She dedicated her life to help others whether at work or off duty. She was always there to help pick up the pieces for others when they were in need, Stacey impacted many lives with her dedication to duty and service.

Her love was deep and her strength was amazing. Every person who met her loved her. Please help this family in their time of grieving.

As of Wednesday, $6,460 had been donated to the family.

To assist the Warriner family, visit their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/3ale1... .

– Image via GoFundMe / City News Service contributed to this report